Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
There was a heated argument at the Former Deputy Governors’ Forum held in Abuja as two former deputy governors from Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins laid claim to position.
This almost turned the venue into a battle field.
The heated confrontation erupted during the forum’s fourth annual national conference when Omobayo was introduced as the “former deputy governor of Edo State.”
That single announcement set off fireworks. Shaibu jumped up instantly, opposing the introduction and challenging Omobayo’s legitimacy.
The occasion briefly snowballed into anarchy as the two men traded words before officials intervened to restore order.
Speaking his mind after the clash, Shaibu said the introduction was improper, insisting Omobayo was never elected by the people.
He said, “Omobayo was never elected but brought in through the back door.”
According to him, a court ruling had already nullified his impeachment, declaring that the deputy governor’s seat was never vacant.
But Omobayo fired back, distancing himself from the political drama.
He said, “I never made myself deputy governor,” describing the embarrassing face-off as “almost a national disgrace.”
The former deputy governor added that he had tried to remain calm despite the tension.
It would be recalled that Shaibu was impeached in April 2024 and was replaced by Omobayo Godwins.
More so, a court later overturned the impeachment and reinstated Shaibu, a decision that has continued to stir political confusion in Edo’s power circle.